In a world driven by profit and competition, Christian entrepreneurs should stand out as a light in the darkness. Grounded in faith and driven by principles, these visionary business leaders forge a path through compassion, integrity, and grit.

Paul Bocco covers the six founding values and principles that allow Christian entrepreneurs to make a lasting positive impact, not only in the marketplace but in the world as a whole.

1. Work Diligently and Avoid Laziness

Being an entrepreneur requires extra working hours and dedication. Many self-made millionaires promote working upwards of 12-14 hours per day on a business to ensure success.

Christian entrepreneurs are called upon to be faithful stewards of the resources and talents entrusted to them by God. While the Bible doesn’t promote burnout, it does speak highly of working diligently and avoiding idleness.

Assiduousness reflects a person’s commitment to honoring God through their work and serving others through excellence, while laziness is juxtaposed as the enemy.

• “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” – Proverbs 13:4
• “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24

2. Be Honest

Everyone’s actions reflect their character, but a Christian’s actions should reflect the character of Christ. This means using honesty to build trust with others, whether they be clients, employees, colleagues, or even the competition – everyone.

By upholding integrity, Christian entrepreneurs align their business practices with biblical principles, demonstrating a commitment to the ethical standards of the Holy Bible.

• “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
• “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” – Proverbs 11:3

3. Pray for Guidance

Christians from all walks of life know the importance of praying for guidance and wisdom or seeking God’s direction when making decisions. Human understanding is limited and oftentimes unclear, highlighting the importance of relying on God’s wisdom to navigate new situations.

Through prayer, Christian entrepreneurs can acknowledge God’s lead and accept his guidance around large decisions that will impact not only their businesses but their lives.

• “But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” – Psalm 66:19
• “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
• “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:8

4. Trust in God, Especially in Tough Times

Entrepreneurism isn’t a walk in the park; it is a long and oftentimes difficult road. Christian entrepreneurs have a leg up because they can lean on God when their own strength fails, knowing that He is in control and has a plan for their future.

Trusting God brings comfort and peace in times of uncertainty, enabling these entrepreneurs to lay their burdens on him and walk through the fire unscathed.

• “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
• “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” -Psalm 55:22

5. Give Thanks and Give Back

No matter how much Christian entrepreneurs work or make, they know that all blessings and successes come from God. Gratitude not only cultivates a humble and thankful heart, but it reminds these individuals of the abundance they are responsible for handling correctly.

Giving and receiving go hand in hand. Taking some of that abundance and giving back is an act of stewardship that blesses others, positively impacting the work and reflecting God’s love and generosity. Giving is not only an act of obedience towards God, but it also expresses trust in His provision and the effort to positively change the lives of others.

• “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1
• “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

6. Remember that Identity Is Not Found in Work

When an entrepreneur does it right – especially from the beginning – their work may end up occupying most of their day and mental energy. Even so, Christian entrepreneurs must often remind themselves that their identity is not found in their work, but in Christ.

Ever-lasting life, peace, and love are not earned through hard work, but through faith. Christian entrepreneurs are not just businessmen or women with rights to a company, but beloved children of God with rights to his kingdom – and this right comes only through the salvation of Jesus Christ.

• “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself.” – Philippians 2:3
• “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” – Deuteronomy 8:18